# Simone Veil

> French politician (1927–2017)

**Wikidata**: [Q298180](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q298180)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simone_Veil)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/simone-veil

## Summary
Simone Veil was a French politician (1927–2017) who served as the first female Prime Minister of France (1979–1981) and a key figure in European integration. She is best known for her advocacy of women's rights, particularly in the context of the European Union, and her role in the passage of the 1979 French law on abortion.

## Biography
- Born: July 13, 1927, in Nice, France
- Nationality: French
- Education: Studied law at the University of Paris and the Paris Law Faculty
- Known for: Advocating for women's rights and European integration
- Employer(s): Sciences Po, Académie Française
- Field(s): Politics, law, European affairs

## Contributions
- **Prime Minister of France**: Served as the first female Prime Minister from March 29, 1979, to May 20, 1981, during the Balladur government.
- **Abortion Law**: Played a pivotal role in the passage of the 1979 French law legalizing abortion, which was a significant step in women's rights.
- **European Integration**: Advocated for European unity and was a key figure in the European Union's development.
- **Awards and Honors**: Received numerous prestigious awards, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the Charlemagne Prize, and the Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation.

## FAQs
**What was Simone Veil's most significant political achievement?**
Simone Veil's most significant political achievement was serving as the first female Prime Minister of France from 1979 to 1981. Her tenure marked a historic milestone in French politics and demonstrated her leadership in European integration.

**What role did Simone Veil play in the legalization of abortion in France?**
Simone Veil was a key advocate for the legalization of abortion in France. She played a pivotal role in the passage of the 1979 French law that legalized abortion, which was a significant step in women's rights and reproductive freedom.

**Which awards did Simone Veil receive during her lifetime?**
Simone Veil received numerous prestigious awards, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the Charlemagne Prize, the Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation, and the European Civil Rights Prize of the Sinti and Roma.

**What educational background did Simone Veil have?**
Simone Veil studied law at the University of Paris and the Paris Law Faculty. She was affiliated with Sciences Po and the Académie Française, which contributed to her legal and political expertise.

## Why They Matter
Simone Veil's legacy is deeply intertwined with the advancement of women's rights and European integration. As the first female Prime Minister of France, she broke gender barriers and set a precedent for future female leaders. Her advocacy for the legalization of abortion in France had a profound impact on reproductive rights and women's autonomy. Additionally, her efforts in European integration helped shape the modern European Union. Veil's influence extends beyond her political career, as she remains a symbol of progressive values and social justice.

## Notable For
- First female Prime Minister of France (1979–1981)
- Key advocate for the legalization of abortion in France (1979)
- Recipient of the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
- Winner of the Charlemagne Prize for European unification
- Honored with the Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation
- Member of the Académie Française and Sciences Po

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Simone Veil was born on July 13, 1927, in Nice, France. She studied law at the University of Paris and the Paris Law Faculty, where she was affiliated with Sciences Po and the Académie Française. Her educational background laid the foundation for her future career in politics and law.

### Political Career
Simone Veil began her political career as a member of the French National Assembly. She served as the first female Prime Minister of France from March 29, 1979, to May 20, 1981, during the Balladur government. Her tenure marked a historic milestone in French politics and demonstrated her leadership in European integration.

### Advocacy for Women's Rights
Simone Veil was a passionate advocate for women's rights. She played a pivotal role in the passage of the 1979 French law legalizing abortion, which was a significant step in women's rights and reproductive freedom. Her efforts in this area had a profound impact on French society and set a precedent for future legislative advancements.

### European Integration
Simone Veil was a key figure in the development of the European Union. She advocated for European unity and played a significant role in shaping the modern European Union. Her contributions to European integration were recognized with numerous awards, including the Charlemagne Prize and the Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation.

### Awards and Honors
Simone Veil received numerous prestigious awards and honors during her lifetime. She was awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest French order of merit. She also received the Charlemagne Prize, which is awarded for work done in the service of European unification. Additionally, she was honored with the Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation and the European Civil Rights Prize of the Sinti and Roma.

### Legacy
Simone Veil's legacy continues to inspire future generations of women in politics and law. Her advocacy for women's rights and European integration has left a lasting impact on French and European society. She remains a symbol of progressive values and social justice, and her contributions to politics and law are remembered and celebrated.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Mort de Simone Veil, icône de la lutte pour les droits des femmes. 2017](https://www.lemonde.fr/disparitions/article/2017/06/30/mort-de-simone-veil-icone-de-la-lutte-pour-les-droits-des-femmes_5153554_3382.html)
3. Fichier des personnes décédées mirror
4. [Simone Veil est décédée à 89 ans. 2017](http://www.lejdd.fr/politique/simone-veil-est-decedee-a-89-ans-3376211)
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. BnF authorities
7. [Members of the European Parliament](http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/de/1174/SIMONE_VEIL_home.html)
8. [Simone VEIL | Alle Wahlperioden  | Abgeordnete | Europäisches Parlament](http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/de/1174/SIMONE_VEIL_home.html)
9. Members of the European Parliament
10. [Académie Française](https://www.academie-francaise.fr/les-immortels/simone-veil?fauteuil=13&election=20-11-2008)
11. [Source](https://www.touteleurope.eu/histoire/entree-de-simone-veil-au-pantheon-h)
12. [Source](https://www.schillerstadt-marbach.de/index.php?id=270)
13. [Die Karlspreisträgerin 1981 Simone Veil](http://www.karlspreis.de/de/preistraeger/simone-veil-1981/vita)
14. [Source](http://www.fpa.es/es/premios-princesa-de-asturias/premiados/2005-simone-veil.html?especifica=0)
15. [Source](http://www3.huji.ac.il/htbin/hon_doc/doc_search.pl?search)
16. [Ordens Honoríficas Portuguesas](http://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=154)
17. [From Governor Belcher to President Clinton: Honorary Degreesat Princeton. 1996](https://pr.princeton.edu/news/96/q2/0604belchertoclinton.html)
18. [Honorary Doctorate Recipients. Bar-Ilan University](https://www1.biu.ac.il/en-about_doctorate)
19. [Décret du 31 décembre 2008 portant élévation et nomination aux dignités de grand'croix et de grand officier. 2009](https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000020020322&categorieLien=id)
20. [Heine-Preis für Simone Veil. 2010](https://www.bild.de/regional/duesseldorf/heinepreis-fuer-simone-veil-13166650.bild.html)
21. [Verfechterin Europas - Heine-Preis für Simone Veil. 2010](https://www.bild.de/regional/duesseldorf/verfechterin-europas--heinepreis-fuer-simone-15045496.bild.html)
22. [Source](https://cavavub.be/nl/eredoctoraten)
23. [Source](https://datastore.brussels/web/data/dataset/ereburgers2/dataset-viewer-resource)
24. [Source](https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/events/honorary-degrees/previous-editions/honorary-degrees-1990s/)
25. International Standard Name Identifier
26. Virtual International Authority File
27. CiNii Research
28. MusicBrainz
29. [Source](https://www.siv.archives-nationales.culture.gouv.fr/siv/IR/FRAN_IR_050929)
30. SNAC
31. FemBio database
32. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
33. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
34. GeneaStar
35. Roglo
36. Babelio
37. Munzinger Personen
38. Who's Who in France
39. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
40. [Source](http://www.lejdd.fr/politique/les-obseques-de-simone-veil-seront-celebrees-mercredi-matin-3377372)
41. CONOR.SI
42. Autoritats UB
43. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
44. [Source](https://www.rtl.fr/actu/debats-societe/video-quand-simone-veil-enlevait-son-chignon-pour-la-seule-fois-en-public-7784799616)
45. Enciclopedia Treccani
46. LIBRIS. 2018
47. Dizionario di Storia
48. LibraryThing
49. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands